In the human female reproductive system, the ovaries are a pair of small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus. The ovaries produce eggs (ova), which travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus, where they may be fertilized by sperm and result in pregnancy. The ovaries also produce hormones that help to regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.
Each ovary is about 3 cm long and 2 cm wide, and weighs about 5 g. The outer surface of each ovary is covered with a layer of tissue called the ovarian cortex. Within the cortex are numerous tiny sacs called follicles. Each follicle contains an immature egg cell (oocyte).
During puberty, some of the follicles mature and release their eggs into the fallopian tubes in a process called ovulation. If one of these eggs is fertilized by a sperm cell, it will implant itself in the lining of the uterus and grow into a baby. If an egg is not fertilized, it passes out of the body during menstruation.
The ovaries are held in place within the pelvis by ligaments and muscles attached to nearby structures such as the uterus, Fallopian tubes, or bladder. The blood supply to the ovaries comes from vessels that branch off from nearby arteries such as those that supply blood to other pelvic organs